More defensive woe for United as Vidic faces another layoff

We’ll never know just how much the loss of Vidic last season had on the
outcome of the title race. But if you’d like some analysis on just how much of
a blow his absence through injury cost the Reds’ bid for title number 20, then
consider this: in the six matches he played in the Premier League, only two
goals were conceded.

It goes without saying, then, that the Serbian international is a key
member of Sir Alex Ferguson’s back four. After all, that’s why he was named
captain. So the last thing we needed to hear is that he will be sidelined for
another eight weeks of the current season, following an operation to clear up a
problem on that same knee.

If we take that eight week period as gospel, Vidic will miss Premier
League matches at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City, Arsenal and Queens
Park Rangers, as well as trips to Newcastle United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and
Norwich City. He will also miss the next four UEFA Champions League matches,
including all away trips of the group schedule.

Speaking just last week ahead of the 1-0 win against Galatasaray,
Ferguson reflected on last season when United crashed out of the premier club
competition in Europe before Christmas. He remarked that to make an impact this
season, he would need a full complement of defensive options throughout.

“I think the key is to keep the defenders fit,” he said. “I mean that.
We had a rough ride with defenders being injured. If they remain fit that gives
us a better opportunity. It’s a key issue and we can’t hide it. I just hope we
get a bit of luck in that respect.”

So far Ferguson’s call for good luck doesn’t appear to be showing any
signs of being answered. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are yet to play this
season due to knee and metatarsal problems respectively, with neither likely to
be back for at least another fortnight. And with Vidic now out of action for
two months, he will be glad Rio Ferdinand’s twinge in the 2-1 win at Liverpool
proved no more than that.